Mathura Rape Case (1972)

Introduction to the Case:

• The Mathura rape case of 1972 is a landmark legal case in India that sparked widespread outrage and led to significant changes in the country’s rape laws. The incident occurred in the village of Mathura in Uttar Pradesh, where a young tribal girl named Mathura was raped by two policemen inside a police station.

Facts of the Case:

• Mathura, a young tribal girl, was brought to the police station for questioning regarding her relationship with a man named Ashok. While she was in custody, two policemen, Ganpat and Tukaram, raped her repeatedly inside the police station. Despite Mathura’s cries for help, no one came to her rescue. The police dismissed her allegations, and she was left traumatized and alone.

Issues in the Case:

• The case raised significant issues regarding the treatment of rape victims by law enforcement authorities, the reliability of witness testimony, and the interpretation of consent in cases of sexual assault. It also brought attention to the need for reforming rape laws in India to provide better protection for victims and ensure justice is served.

Judgment:

• Initially, the Sessions Court acquitted the accused policemen, citing lack of evidence and inconsistencies in Mathura’s testimony. However, the judgment was appealed to the High Court, which overturned the acquittal and convicted the accused. The High Court’s decision was based on the premise that even if Mathura had consented to sexual intercourse, it could not be considered valid given the circumstances of her being in police custody. The accused policemen were sentenced to seven years in prison.

Series of Verdicts:

• Sessions Court Verdict (Initial): Acquittal of the accused due to lack of evidence.
• High Court Verdict: Overturned the Sessions Court’s decision, convicted the accused, and sentenced them to seven years in prison.

Significance:

• The Mathura rape case prompted amendments to India’s rape laws, including changes to the definition of rape and the burden of proof required to establish consent. It highlighted the need for greater sensitivity and accountability within the criminal justice system when dealing with cases of sexual assault. Additionally, it led to increased awareness and advocacy for the rights of rape survivors in India.

In India, there have been lots of crime cases that have made headlines in the news and it have also triggered debate across the country. These cases aren’t all about crimes but they’re more about justice, fairness, and the way they are affecting society. From horrific murders to enormous corporate frauds, these events have turned into tragedies that affected and stayed in our country forever. This article aims to reveal the list of the 10 most popular and disputable criminal cases in India. Focusing on what happened behind the curtains, on the judgments, and the consequences that occurred as a result. Hence, now we are on the way through the roller coaster of these thrilling events, that became the focus of the nation’s attention.